A former manager of a flooring business has avoided prison after admitting theft of more than £15,000.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Andrew Cotton stole a total of £15,700 of stock from Franks Factory Flooring to settle loan shark debts.

Mr Cotton admitted the theft which took place between 1 December 2022 to 8 July 2023.

The court heard how Mr Cotton had sold stock to people he knew and diverted payments into his personal bank accounts.

The court sentenced Mr Cotton to 16 months suspended for two years alongside a rehabilitation programme and compensation order.